Wood stoves and fireplace inserts have been required to be certified by the EPA since 1992. The Oregon DEQ had a certification program starting even earlier in the 1980s. Therefore, if you have a wood stove that precedes these dates it is likely to be uncertified. Senate Bill 102, the “Heat Smart for Clean [...]
Furnace exhausting into attic Many people think that because a home is brand new there is no reason to get a home inspection prior to closing. The builder must have made sure everything was properly installed and in working order. However, this is not always the case. In fact, we often inspect [...]
A home inspection is a visual only inspection of the accessible areas of a home. Because home inspectors are not legally allowed to use invasive techniques, there are some limitations as to what can be seen during a general inspection. Thermal imaging can help uncover issues that may not be visible to the naked [...]
Turning on your sink or shower and finding orange or rust colored water coming out of the fixture can be shocking. Discolored water can flow from faucets for a few different reasons. Typically, it indicates an issue with the distribution piping, the water heater, or the water source. Galvanized steel distribution piping has an [...]
Flexible drainpipes under bathroom and kitchen sinks are relatively common and can be purchased in most hardware stores. However, just because they are available does not mean that they should be used. Most of the time the presence of flexible pipe indicates that the installation was not performed by a qualified plumber. One of [...]
Furnaces and water heaters that are installed in locations subject to vehicle damage should be adequately protected. This primarily applies to garage installations. When a furnace or water heater is installed in a garage it should be installed behind a physical barrier or be out of the normal path of a vehicle. When this [...]
Downspouts are an integral component of a roof’s drainage system. Downspouts transport rainwater and snowmelt from the gutters down into a storm drain system or otherwise away from the home. In the Pacific Northwest where rain is abundant, it is critical to ensure that you have proper roof drainage. When a roof has a [...]
A common defect that we find while inspecting showers is that a gap has formed between a fixture, such as the faucet or faucet handle, and the shower enclosure. This is an issue because it presents an avenue for water to make its way behind the enclosure and into the wall assembly. Most faucets [...]
Windows that don’t slide smoothly, don’t stay up when opened, or open at a crooked angle are a nuisance. Modern double-hung and single slider windows that open up and down have a balance system installed in the frame that guides the window and holds it in place. When a channel balance becomes disconnected or [...]
A home that smells of smoke can be problematic for some home buyers. Not only does the smell of smoke linger, but smoke accumulation over time will stain the walls and ceilings. Cigarette smoke in particular has a distinct odor and stains walls, floors, and ceilings because it creates tiny amounts of oil and [...]
